Birchiș

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Birchiș is a commune in Arad County, western Romania. It lies where the Mureș Corridor meets the Lipova Hills and covers about 10,228 hectares. The commune consists of four villages: Birchiș (81 km from Arad city), Căpâlnaș, Ostrov, and Virișmort.

Population and people
About 1,700 residents live there (2021). Ethnicity is mostly Romanian (about 88%), with Roma (about 12%), and small numbers of Hungarians and others.

History
Birchiș was first mentioned in 1596. Căpâlnaș dates back to 1369, Ostrov to 1169, and Virișmort to 1374.

Economy and notable features
The area is mainly agricultural, with farming and livestock. In Căpâlnaș there is a 19th‑century castle, now used as a sanatorium. Birchiș is also known for traditional ceramic crafts made by local artisans.

Other
Vehicle registration code: AR.